Who is eligible for NDIS Australia?

A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide: NDIS Eligibility in Australia (2025)

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a vital program for Australians living with permanent and significant disabilities. If you’re curious about the eligibility rules, requirements for support workers, how mental health fits into the scheme, or simply wondering “who is eligible for NDIS?”—this guide provides a comprehensive, easy-to-read journey through every aspect of NDIS accessibility.

What Is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is run by the Australian government to help people with disabilities access the supports and services they need. Funded and managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), the NDIS is not an income-tested program; it aims to empower people with disabilities to live independently and to participate fully in community life. Supports can include therapy, equipment, support workers, housing, and much more, tailored to the individual’s goals and needs.

Who Can Use the NDIS?

To be eligible for the NDIS, you must meet strict criteria set by the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013. Here’s a breakdown of each requirement:

1. Age Requirement

You must be aged under 65 years at the time of applying for NDIS funding.
If you are already in the NDIS before turning 65, you may choose to remain or move to aged care services.

2. Residency Requirement

Only Australian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Special Category Visa holders are eligible.
You must be living within Australia and in a region where the NDIS is rolled out (includes all states and territories: NSW, QLD, WA, TAS).

3. Disability Requirement

Your disability must be:

Permanent: It will most likely last a lifetime.
Significant: It has a major effect on everyday living, like communication, mobility, self-care, or social interaction.
Supported by medical evidence (such as reports from specialists, GPs, and allied health professionals).

NDIS List of Disabilities for Adults (Not exhaustive)

Here are examples of disabilities commonly covered:

Physical disabilities (e.g. cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, amputations)
Intellectual disabilities (e.g. Down syndrome, developmental delay)
Sensory disabilities (e.g. hearing or vision impairment)
Psychosocial disabilities (severe, persistent mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, chronic PTSD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

You can view a full NDIS list of disabilities for adults on the NDIS website.

4. Early Intervention Requirements

You may also be eligible for NDIS support if you are a child or young adult who:

Shows signs of a disability that may become permanent AND
Would benefit greatly from early intervention (like therapies or assistive devices).

The 4 Key Requirements for Access to the NDIS

Age: Under 65 years old
Residency: Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
Disability: Permanent and significant impact on life
Location: Living within an NDIS region in Australia

Physical Disability Checklist for NDIS Access

Before applying, prepare the following documentation:

Proof of identity and age
Proof of residency status
Medical reports (diagnosis, treatments, functional impact on daily life)
Disability evidence (letters from providers, support worker notes)
Details of current supports you receive

NDIS Eligibility for Mental Health

NDIS recognises psychosocial disability—long-term, severe mental illnesses that influence functioning and independence.

Examples include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, and severe PTSD
The condition must be persistent, not easily treated, and substantially restrict day-to-day activities
Applicant must provide mental health assessments and medical evidence when applying

Tip: Not all mental illnesses qualify. Mild, temporary, or well-managed mental health conditions may not be eligible under NDIS guidelines.

Who Is NOT Eligible for the NDIS?

People aged 65 or older when first applying (use My Aged Care services instead)
Applicants without a permanent and significant disability
People whose needs are adequately met by other services
People without Australian citizenship or permanent resident status
Temporary visa holders and visitors
People whose disabilities are minor, temporary, or do not require substantial support

How Do You Qualify for NDIS Funding?

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Review the above criteria: age, residency, type and severity of disability, and location

Step 2: Gather Evidence

Collect medical documents, specialist reports, therapy notes

Step 3: Submit Access Request

Fill out the NDIS Access Request Form (available on the official NDIS website or from any Local Area Coordinator or NDIA office)
Attach all required documents

Step 4: NDIA Review

NDIA reviews your application using the NDIS eligibility checklist and guidelines

Step 5: Planning Meeting

If accepted, you attend a planning meeting to build your NDIS plan outlining the supports and goals tailored to you

Step 6: Receive Supports

NDIA arranges funding to cover the supports in your plan
Regular reviews will help adjust your plan as your needs change

NDIS Requirements for Support Workers

Support workers must:

Be registered or approved under NDIS provider guidelines
Hold relevant certifications, experience, and clearances (e.g. police check, working with children, first aid)
Continually meet quality and safety standards under the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

Those wishing to become support workers or providers can find resources on the NDIS Provider Portal.

NDIS Funding: What Does It Cover?

Funding is individualised and is not paid directly to you as cash:

NDIS pays approved providers for services and supports (therapy, equipment, transport, home modifications, support coordination, etc.)
Funding is based on what's reasonable and necessary for your goals—not just your diagnosis

What Is Not Funded by the NDIS?

The NDIS will not fund:

General living expenses (food, rent, regular household bills)
Supports already provided through other systems (Medicare, public health, education, aged care)
Anything not directly related to your disability

Is NDIS Income Tested?

No. Your income, assets, or family wealth do not affect your eligibility or the value of your NDIS plan. Eligibility is based only on disability criteria—not finances.

How Much Is the NDIS Payment?

There is no set payment. Funding depends on the participant's specific goals, needs, and the supports required to achieve them.
NDIA will determine funding amounts through assessments and planning meetings.
Funding can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on needs.
Payments go directly to service providers or claimed via the NDIS portal.

NDIS Regions—Where Is It Available?

NDIS coverage includes all states (NSW, QLD, WA, TAS, VIC, SA, NT, ACT) and most territories.

Each region has Local Area Coordinators (LACs) who help with applications.
You must live in an area where NDIS is available—check the NDIS regions page for details.

How to Apply for NDIS (Step-By-Step, Australia)

Self-Check Eligibility: Use the NDIS eligibility checklist online.
Contact NDIS: Phone, email, or visit the official NDIS website.
Access Request Form: Fill out with your details, evidence, and medical reports.
Submit Documents: Via Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIS portal.
Wait for Decision: NDIA assesses your application.
Planning Meeting: If approved, set your goals and needs.
Use Your Plan: Choose providers, begin receiving supports.
Review Regularly: Your plan can be changed as needed.

Benefits of NDIS

Choice: Pick your providers and services
Control: Manage how your supports are delivered
Flexible Funding: Funding is tailored to your needs and changes with you
Long-term Security: Supports remain as long as needed
Community Connection: Help to participate in work, hobbies, social life
Early Intervention: For children and young adults, aiming to improve outcomes for life

NDIS for Children and Young People

Children or young people may be eligible if they have developmental delays or permanent impairments and meet residency and age requirements.

Early childhood partners (ECPs) can help guide families through the process

NDIS for People with Autism and ADHD

Autism (ASD): Most children and adults with a formal ASD diagnosis are eligible if their condition is significant and impacts daily life.
ADHD: Only severe ADHD may qualify—generally, ADHD alone is not enough unless it causes major functional impairment.

See the online NDIS list of disabilities and contact NDIA for advice.

What Happens If You’re NOT Eligible for the NDIS?

Many people with disabilities do not meet all NDIS requirements. Other supports may include:

State/territory disability programs
Local health services
My Aged Care (for over 65s)
Charities, advocacy organisations, and community groups

Common NDIS FAQs

1. Who is not eligible for the NDIS?

Anyone over 65 at the time of applying, people whose disabilities are temporary or do not need substantial support, non-citizens/permanent residents, and people whose needs are met by other government programs are not eligible.

2. Is the NDIS income tested?

No, eligibility and funding do not depend on your income, wealth, or assets. Only disability and residency criteria matter.

3. Does autism qualify for NDIS?

Yes, most people with diagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are eligible, provided the disability is permanent and has a significant impact on daily living. Evidence is required.

4. What are the four key requirements to access the NDIS?

You must be under 65, have Australian citizenship/permanent residency, have a permanent and significant disability, and live in an NDIS region.

5. What do I do if I’m not eligible for NDIS?

Seek assistance through local disability programs, My Aged Care (for people over 65), and advocacy services. Many government, nonprofit, and health bodies offer supports for people not covered by the NDIS.

Helpful Hyperlinks and Resources

By following this detailed, step-by-step guide, you can confidently decide if you meet NDIS eligibility, understand requirements for support workers and mental health, and know exactly how to apply for funding, or what to do if you don’t qualify. If you need help, always reach out to Local Area Coordinators or advocacy groups

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